WWE Legend Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan Dies at Age 73

When you think back at all the the manager’s in the history of pro wrestling entertainment history, there may never be a name bigger than Bobby ‘The Brain’ Heenan. A legend in his own right, he managed the likes of Mr. Perfect, Arn Anderson, Ric Flair, Rick Rude, and who can forget Andre the Giant. He was also a color commentator and passed away on Sunday.

“Mean” Gene Okerlund put a post up on Facebook that confirmed Heenan’s death via his daughter Jess.

Saddened by the news that arrived this afternoon from Bobby Heenans daughter Jess, that he has passed. Bobby and his…

Heenan’s ringside manner was built on a foundation of causing trouble. Great if you fought on his side, not so much if you were on the other. And his presence was more than enough to get the crowds riled up. In 1987, even though he was not an active wrestler, he was still important enough to get attention that the WWE put Heenan in Andre the Giant’s corner at WrestleMania III before he faced off against Hulk Hogan.

Heenan’s comedic timing and wit were unmatched and he is the gold standard when it comes to heel broadcasters. When Heenan was fired on an episode of RAW on December 6, 1993, he took his talents to the WCW a month later, however, he was limited to mostly broadcasting aside from a 1996 Great American Bash ‘coaching’ role, and was at the company until November of 2000.

In 2002, he was diagnosed with throat cancer and in recent years, had complications from jaw infections and tougue cancer. Heenan becamse a WWE Hall of Famer in 2004.

A writer by day and concertgoer by night, Shelby is based out of The 6ix and can be found at music venues almost every weekend. She prefers tea over coffee, but will concede to the latter after a long night out. Besides looking for new music on Spotify and SoundCloud, she’s keeping up with the latest pop culture news. Entertainment is her first love, but her adorable mini schnauzer comes in at a close second.